NEW YORK - May 1, 2013 - Nickelodeon has launched a brand-new SpongeBob SquarePants Hot Wheels(R) collection featuring six die-cast vehicles inspired by SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends. Each 1:64 scale vehicle features either SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Plankton or Squidward graphics, specially designed in their likeness. Retailing for $3.49 each, SpongeBob, Plankton and Squidward's fun-sized vehicles are available now with the remaining rolling out at stores nationwide later this summer.

"We are so happy to have SpongeBob SquarePants join the Hot Wheels family," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Consumer Electronics, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We continue to push the boundaries of imagination with SpongeBob, and these new cars bring the show's characters to life in such a unique way; they are sure to provide hours of action-packed adventure for fans everywhere."

Since its launch in July 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a pop culture phenomenon. The series currently ranks as the number-one animated series with kids 2-11; and over the past several years, it has averaged more than 100 million total viewers every quarter across all Nickelodeon networks. SpongeBob SquarePants is executive produced by creator Stephen Hillenburg, who previously worked as a writer, director and creative director on Nickelodeon's animated series Rocko's Modern Life. Paul Tibbitt served as a director and writer on SpongeBob SquarePants for its first three seasons and is currently executive producer.

About Nickelodeon:

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Hot Wheels:

Since 1968, Hot Wheels has been passionate about creating thrilling vehicle experiences through innovative product and content. With a fan base of more than 41 million people, Hot Wheels is the No. 1 vehicle property in the United States producing the coolest cars imaginable. The Hot Wheels brand began as a line of 16 1:64-scale die-cast vehicles; today, it has evolved into a true, global lifestyle brand for boys of all ages with segments that range from aftermarket parts to licensed apparel to branded digital content from Team Hot Wheels, a real-life race crew of professional drivers performing over-the-top stunts. For the hottest games and videos, visit www.HotWheels.com andwww.Facebook.com/HotWheels.